This has been our favourite walk forever. Do not let the couple of bad characters hinder you from…read morethis beautiful hike, because getting to the top is its own reward with sheer beauty. This property was donated to the state park and open to all. Very clean and well-kept trails, dog friendly, and a nice place to rest and relax, including restrooms at the science centre.

I discovered this place through my daughter. She has gone here twice- once through her middle…read moreschool, and once through a local camp. She raved about it, and we finally got a chance to check it out. So happy we did! Purchase Knob was generously donated by the McNeil-Gilmore family to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is 535 acres of land that rises ultimately to 5,086 feet at the knob. In the meadow below the knob, at 4,850 feet, there are two buildings housing offices, a lab, a classroom for fifty students, and housing for up to eight scientists. Views are 180 degrees. You can hit the Cataloochee Divide Trail here, too. A refurbished cabin originally from the 1870s is nearby, which I will get to in a bit. When you get to the park, you will be blocked by a gate with a sign to the left identifying the park. It is open once in a while for scheduled visits/field trip students. It is easy to get your vehicle locked within the park. (People cannot get locked in.) Park your car on the sides of the road. Just walk around the gate if it is locked. Bring water, and a jacket in the spring or fall. The 2.5 mile round trip trail is basically a wide, dirt road that will eventually lead up to the main buildings. It is well maintained. When you get a glimpse of the building at the top, you will also see a grass trail leading upwards. I would take that trail. It is a shortcut. If you like to walk, just keep going, and the road will eventually lead to the building as well. On the way up, you will see many types of wildflowers. We heard (up) and spotted a hawk (down). I got a photo of nightshade, all the while with my body centimeters from a hidden cliff edge. Be careful on grassy edges! The open areas and tree-filled areas were of equal beauty. In early September I saw purples, greens, grays, and yellows, all framed by a clear blue sky graced by fluffy clouds. Your soul will take this in, and it will hold on to it. When we got to the top, we relaxed. We did not go to the knob proper. We used the very clean bathrooms, and laid down in the field right in front of the buildings. There is a water fountain. You are allowed on the deck, but not in the buildings unless you are with a scheduled group. There are picnic tables grouped close together, and bear-proof trashcans and recycling bins. You can check out the outside of the weather station that is a bit away. I would not traipse around the adjacent fields. I saw tagged plants and left that area so that we would not screw up any data. If you decide to go to the actual knob, you have to blaze your own trail. As of two days ago, the footbridge leading to Cataloochee was out. There is a sign warning of that; be careful crossing creeks. Anyway, that trail is easy to find; just look for signs. Check out the bulletin board for lists of the types of birds and butterflies that you can see there. I saw (possibly) a Cloudless skipper. It was fluorescent yellow! My first. To get down to the restored Ferguson cabin, just leave via the "grass carpet" trail. Make an obvious right and hitch your horse, or kids. This right will lead you to the cabin. The Fergusons were the first farmers to have an elevated farm. Their apples are still there. Do not pick anything. Do not get in the boar trap. Do not get near bears. Do not bother the cow spirits. Call to make sure horses are indeed still allowed. Bears and boars can hurt you. We leave all snacks in the car. You never know. Call the general number to see if bear activity is intense before going to this park. Middle school and up teachers, call this number to schedule a visit: 828-926-6251. This park welcomes wimpy and tough hikers mid-March through November. Call if you have a desire to hike in the deep winter. Remember to check out the Purchase Knob WebCam online for weather and views. To get to this park, take Exit 20, stay on 276 South for five miles. Get on Hemphill Road and stay on Hemphill Road for four miles. This review is dedicated to my daughter Sophie, a quick, beautiful trailblazer.

The camp host was unprofessional, rude, and threatened to call the sheriffs department because he…read moresaid we were talking too loud. We were not loud and are filing a complaint. We have been coming here for years but will not pay to be treated this way.

Our family loves North Mills River! If you're looking to hike, fish, ride horses, picnic, camp,…read moreetc. this is a solid spot. The picnic area is very well maintained and each picnic table typically has a charcoal grill to go with it. We really love fishing out here! If you're lucky enough to outsmart the elusive fish out here... you can expect to catch rainbow, brook, and brown trout!

The place is a magical disconnect. Every time I get back to the property I'm wowed by scenery and…read morealso impressed by the continuous upgrades to guest comfort. I'm semi-local and already planning my next visit. The owner/operators are attentive and it's obvious they care.

From the owner: Off-Grid Tree House Glamping bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee…read moreNational Forest. Private and secluded glamping near hiking, rafting, zip-lines, horseback, and mountain biking trails. Treehouses have solar power, comfy queen beds, heated rain collection shower, private composting toilet, outdoor kitchenette, and private fire ring lounge. Emphasis on Leave No Trace Principles, Conservation, and Appreciation of Nature.

We went on a tour with Jennifer. It was well worth the time and money. Ashville Hiking Tours use…read morenaturalists as guides who each have unique backgrounds. It made the experience so much more interesting. She was so knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, history of the area, etc. We went to falls that most tourists aren't aware of. Enjoyed every minute!

This hike was absolutely amazing! MK was the best guide I have ever had for any tour and I've been…read moremany. She is so knowledgeable and super fun. I am very prone to car sickness, but was not a problem driving all over the mountains. It was very safe. I'm still in aw about how smart she is. She knows everything about the area; the flora and fauna, wildlife, the trails, history and folklore of the area -just everything! I was with my sister and niece and my 83 year old mother. MK picked the best trails for us. She was so patient with us and really just gave us the best experience. She set a pace that was comfortable for all of us. I was nervous going down some rock steps. She was super understanding, and held my hand to make sure I was safe We've been talking about this hike ever since. I cannot say enough about MK. The company is great super easy to book. I couldn't do it online so I called she got me fixed up right away. really cannot give enough praise for this experience.

We took the brewery bus tour for a bachelor party and it was the best experience of our 5 day trip…read more Dave was our guide and we left every stop up to his decision. He didn't miss. Each brewery we went to was full of fun and different enough from the last that we were constantly entertained. Cannot recommend Dave enough, seriously. This tour is an amazing experience for any group looking to try some good beer and explore Asheville!

We took the morning Jeep Tour through the Blue Ridge mountains. The stops and the information was…read moregreat, and our guide had a great energy. The Jeep ride itself is kind of rough - we both left with small headaches.